Connector



c. s. PENFOLD ,303,384

CONNECTOR Filed April 30. 1938 Patented Dec. 1, 1942 Charles S. Peni'old, Bronson, Mich, assignor to H. A. Douglas Mtg. 00., Bronson, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Application April 30, 1938, Serial No. 205,374

21 Claims.

My invention relates generally to electrical connectors, known in the trade as line connectors, and particularly to connectors which are preferably adapted to receive plug conductor terminals of the snap type.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a new and improved connector, and more particularly a connector preferably consisting of two members, an outer tubular insulating sleeve member, and an inner metallic circuit continuing member, which is adapted to receive the plug conductor terminals.

A further object is to provide a connector of this character, in which improved means are provided whereby to, connect the two members together, improve the gripping action upon the plug conductors, increase the electrical contact surface between the continuing member and plug conductors, and prevent rattling or vibration between said members.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear hereinafter.

In the drawing accompanying this specification and forming a part of this application, there is shown for the purposes of illustration, one form which the invention may assume, and in this drawing:

Figure 1 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the invention, showing in addition, a plug conductor terminal in elevation, cooperating with the metallic circuit continuing means;

Figure 2 is a section corresponding to line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an end view of Figure 1 looking in the direction of the arrows 3-3 with the terminal omitted;

Figure 4 is a development of the circuit continuing member;

Figure 5 is a view showing the, development in Figure 4 formed into the desired shape prior to its insertion in the sleeve member of insulating material; and

Figure 6 is a section taken substantially on line 66 of Figure 4, showing more in detail the detent means formed in the circuit continuing member.

Referring to the drawing, numeral I represents the outer tubular sleeve member constructed of some suitable insulating material, and 2 represents the metallic circuit continuing member, or insert, which is also preferably of tubular form. Said insert is provided with resilient portions forming receptacles 3 and 4 adjacent its extremities, whereby to detachably receive and'resilient ly retain plug conductor terminals of the snap type, such as 5,.shown secured within the receptacle I It is to be particularly noted that when terminals are properly'secured in the connector, the ends of the sleeve project beyond the terminals in order to prevent the terminals from coming in contact with some metallic object which which will be described later. Insofar as the pres- I ent invention is concerned, it is immaterial whether the members I and 2 are of cylindrical design, or whether the recesses I are annular in shape. According to the development shown in Figure 4 of the drawing, the circuit continuing member o insert 2, preferably consists of a central body portion 8, to which is connected at one extremity a pair of corresponding substantially rectangular wing portions 9 and Ill, and at the other extremity a pair of wing portions II and I2 corresponding substantially to the portions 9 and In. All

of said portions extend outwardly transverse to the longitudinal axis of the insert. The pair of wing portions 9 and III are preferably separated from the opposite pair of portions II and I2 by cutouts, or notches l3.

As above referred to, one object of the invention is to provide improved connector means whereby to detachably resiliently retain plug conductor terminals of the snap type. Accordingly, a pair of detents M are provided in the insert 2 remote from its marginal edges. Each detent is preferably formed by first striking out an aperture 15 preferably rectangular in'shape, and then deforming a marginal edge thereof to preferably provide a convex tapered projection, or lip, extending into each of the receptacles'3 and I. The projections are preferably located on the marginal edges which face each other, and as shown in Figure l, the arris ii of each projection or detent is adapted to bite into the wall defining the groove ll of a terminal, such as 5. Detents of this character together with the resilient wing portions forming the receptacles 3 and 4 function to efiectively grip and resiliently retain terminals in the manner desired by the various industries. Of course it is understood that the wing portions forming the receptacles are of a resilient character, and expand and contract when terminals are properly seated therein, and that each receptacle more or less operates independently of the other, as one terminal may be inserted and withdrawn without in any way effecting the release of the other terminal. Moreover, the receptacles are of sufficient length to engage considerable surface of the terminals whereby to decrease the millivolt drop. I

The manner in which the members I and 2 are secured together will now be considered.

One of the wing portions of each pair of wing portions is preferably provided with a tongue, and as herein shown, the wing 9 is provided with an integral tongue portion l8, and the wing I! with a tongue l9.

When the metal insert shown formed or rolled into the desired shape according to Figure 5, the tongue I8 is allowed to remain extending beyond the confines of the insert. The grain of the metal runs transverse to the longitudinal axis of the insert, and consequently the insert is very durable, and there is little likelihood of the tongues breaking oil. In other words, the tongue I8 is preformed, and when the insert is projected into the sleeve l for assembly, with the tongue l8 abutting the shoulder 20 formed by the aperture 6 and recess 1, the tongue I9 is then bent outwardly similarly to tongue l8 into the other recess or seat I, and in abutment with the other shoulder 20. Thus the insert is locked in place within the sleeve I. In effect, the tongues straddle the material defining the aperture 6.

In order to prevent rattling or vibration between the sleeve member I and the insert 2, the insert is preferably provided with a centrally located circular depression or boss 2| that extends in a direction opposite to that of the detents l4. The diameter of the insert together with the depression 2| is slightly greater than the diameter of the elongated aperture 6, and the longitudinal parallel marginal edges-22, of the resilient wing portions forming the receptacles 3 and 4 bear against the inner surface of the sleeve and function to urge the depression 2| against the wall of the aperture 6; in other words, the insert is preferably designed to frictionally engage the walls of the aperture substantially at three places in order to provide a well balanced assembly.

It is now apparent that improved means have been provided whereby to lock or secure the insert in place, means for detachably resiliently retaining plug conductor terminals of the snap type, and means whereby to eliminate vibration between the two members comprising the connector.

Having thus described my invention, it is obvious that various immaterial modifications may be made in the same without'departing from the spirit of the invention; and, therefore, I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, construction, arrangement, and

in Figure 4 is within the confines of said housing, and resilient tongues operable independently 0f the action produced by said means projecting from said insert into said recesses and straddling the material defining said aperture for securing said housing and said insert together.

2. An electrical connector comprising a single piece of insulating material provided with an aperture extending therethrough, an annular recess of a size greater than the width of said aperture extending inwardly from each end of said piece and communicating with said aperture, an insert of generally cylindrical tubular formation arranged in said aperture, said insert being formed with at least one resilient portion adjacent each extremity providing a receptacle for receiving a plug conductor terminal having a groove therein, a detent arranged in each receptacle opposite each of said resilient portions to cooperate with said terminal groove, and resilient tongue means also provided adjacent said extremities of said insert projecting into said recesses whereby to hold said piece and saidinsert in assembly.

3. A tubular sleeve having an abutment provided with spaced apart shoulders within the confines of the sleeve, a circuit continuing memcombination of parts, herein shown and deand desire to secure by Letters ber arranged entirely within the confines of said sleeve, said member having a pair of spaced apart individually operable split receptacle formations, each receptacle also having a resilient tongue portion projecting outwardly to substantially engage a shoulder whereby said tongues hold said member and said sleeve in assembly.

4. An electrical connector comprising a single piece of insulating material provided with an aperture, a transverse recess extending inwardly from each end of said piece and communicating with said aperture, an insert of generally cylindrical tubular formation arranged in said aperture, said insert being formed with split resilient receptacle formations adjacent its extremities adapted to receive conductor terminals, and resilient projections formed on said receptacle formations and operable independently of the holding action produced by at least one of said receptacles and projecting into said recesses for positively and permanently holding said piece and said insert in assembly.

5. A tubular sleeve having recesses adjacent its extremities, a circuit continuing member insertable into either end of the sleeve arranged within the confines of said sleeve, said member having means which may be engaged by a conductor, and at least a. pair of longitudinally spaced apart resilient tongues provided on said member projecting into said recesses whereby to hold said member in said sleeve.

6. An electrical connector comprising a single piece of insulating material provided with an aperture extending therethrough, said aperture being enlarged at its ends to form cylindrical recesses joined by the remaining intermediate restricted portion, the base of each recess forming with the restricted portion a shoulder, an insert of generally cylindrical tubular formation disposed in said aperture, said insert being formed with resilient portions adjacent each extremity providing a receptacle for receiving a plug conductor terminal having a groove therein, and a detent arranged in each receptacle opposite its resilient portions to cooperate with said terminal groove, a portion of said insert adjacent each extremity operable independently of the holding action produced by at least one of said recep tacles projecting into the adjacent recess and engaging the corresponding shoulder whereby to hold said piece and said insert in assembly.

7. An electrical connector including, an outer housing having an opening extending therethrough. said housing having an immovable abutment within said opening apart from its ends, an insert arranged in said opening having means to which plug conductors may be resiliently connected without assistance by said housing, and said insert also having longitudinally spaced apart yieldable portions extending laterally with reference to the remainder of the insert engaging the sides of said abutment for holding the housing and insert assembled.

8. An electrical connector including, an outer housing having an opening extending therethrough, said housing havin an abutment therewithin and apart from its ends, an insert insertable into either end of said opening arranged in said opening having a portion to which a conductor may be directly connected without assistance by said housing, and said insert also having longitudinally spaced apart yieldable fingers receiving said abutment for holding the insert to the housing. 7

9 An electrical connector including, an outer body having an opening therein, said body having an abutment therewithin, an insert part arranged in said opening having means to which a plug conductor may be resiliently connected without assistance by said outer body, and said insert also having longitudinally spaced apart yieldable portions disposed in the body and extending laterally with reference to the remainder of the insert engaging the sides of said abutment for holding the parts assembled.

10. An electrical connector including, an outer body having an opening therein, said body having abutment means therewithin, an insert part insertable into either end of said opening arranged in said opening having a portion adapted to be engaged by a conductor, and said insert having yieldable finger portions disposed in the body and engaging the sides of said abutment for holding the parts assembled.

11. Electrical connection means including, a circuit continuing member having an elongated wall portion which may be engaged by conductor means, longitudinally spaced apart yieldable tongues provided on said wall portion, and insulating means movable over either end of said member surrounding at least that portion of the wall provided'with the tongues, and said insulating means being provided with means projecting into the space between the tongues for locking the parts together.

12. An electrical connector comprising a block I of insulating material provided with an elongated aperture and recesses extending inwardly from the ends of said block in communication with the extremities of said aperture, said recesses also extending transversely to said aperture whereby to provide shoulders at the junctions of said aperture and said recesses, a metal insert including a base portion provided adjacent its extremities with split cylindrical receptacles having resilient portions adapted to receive conductor terminals arranged in said aperture, a resilient tongue provided on one of said receptaclesand projecting laterally of said receptacle, and a preformed extended resilient tongue provided on one of the resilient portions of the other receptacle providing a stop engaging one of said shoulder to predetermine the position of the first-mentioned tongue relative to the other shoulder, and said first-mentioned tongue being pressed outwardly into the recess adjacent said other shoulder, said tongues holding said insert in relation to said block.

13. An electrical connector comprising a block of insulating material provided with an aperture and recesses extending inwardly from the ends of said block in communication with the extremities of said aperture, said recesses also extending transversally to said aperture whereby to provide shoulders at the junctions of said aperture and said recesses, a metal insert including a base portion having adjacent its extremities split semi-cylindrical resilient portions forming receptacles'adapted to receive conductor terminals arranged in said aperture, a preformed resilient projection provided on one of said receptacles and extending outwardly with respect to same into one. of said recesses, a resilient projection provided on one of the resilient portions of the other receptacle extending into the other recess, said projections holding said insert in relation to said block, and detents adapted to engage terminals formed in the base portion of said insert opposite the material adjacent the split provided in each receptacle.

14. An electrical connector including, an insulator member having a hole therein, a portion of the insulator member projectin into the hole, and a conducting member insertable into either end of the hole and disposed in the hole providing means to which conductors may be secured, said conducting member having a wall provided with at least a pair of longitudinally spaced apart resilient fingers independently operable of each other engaging the sides of said portion for holding the members assembled.

15. An electrical connector including, an insulator member having a hole therein, abutment means provided in the hole, and a conducting member insertable through either end of said hole disposed in said hole providing means to which conductors may be secured, said conducting member being provided with at least a pair of longitudinally spaced apart resilient independently operable fingers projecting laterally with respect to the member and engaging said abutment means for holding the members assembled.

16. An electrical connector comprising, a single piece of insulating material provided with an aperture extending therethrough, said aperture being enlarged at its ends to form recesses joined by the remaining intermediate restricted portion, the base of each recess forming with the restricted portion a shoulder, an insert insertable into either end of the aperture disposed in said aperture, at least one of the extremities of said insert being provided with a receptacle for receiving a plug conductor terminal having cooperating means thereon, and a detent provided on said receptacle adapted to cooperate with said cooperating means, a yieldable portion of said insert adjacent each extremity projecting into the adjacent recess and engaging the corresponding shoulder whereby to hold said piece and said insert in assembly.

17. An electrical connector comprising, a single piece of insulating material provided with an aperture extending therethrough, said aperture being enlarged at its ends to form recesses joined by the remaining intermediate restricted portion, the base of each recess forming with the restricted portion a shoulder, an insert insertable into either end of the aperture disposed in said aperture, at least one of the extremities of said insert being provided with a receptacle for receiving a plug conductor terminal having cooperating means thereon, and a detent provided on said receptacle adapted to cooperate with said cooperating means, a yieldable portion of said insert adjacent each extremity projecting laterally with respect to the remainder of the insert and into the adjacent recess and engaging the corresponding shoulder whereby to hold said piece and insert in assembly.

18. An electrical connector including; an insulator housing having an opening therein; a

portion of the insulator housing projecting into said opening; and a conducting member, insertable into either end of said opening disposed in the opening providing means to which a conductor may be secured; said conductor member having at least a pair of longitudinally spaced apart resilient fingers independently operable of each other engaging the sides of said portion for holding said housing and said member assembled.

19. An electrical connector comprising; a housing of insulating material provided with an aperture extending therethrough; said aperture being either end of said aperture, disposed in said aperture; at least one of the extremities of said insert being provided with means to which a conductor terminal may be pressed into connection therewith; and a yieldable finger portion of said insert adjacent each extremity projecting into the adjacent recess and engaging the corresponding shoulder whereby to hold said housing and said insert in assembly.

20. An electrical connector including, an outer housing having an opening extending therethrough, said housing having an immovable abutment within said opening apart from its ends, an insert insertable into either end of said opening, arranged in said opening having a portion to which a conductor may be resiliently connected thereto without assistance by said housing, and said insert also having longitudinally spaced apart yieldable portions extending laterally with reference to the remainder of the insert arranged in said housing engaging the sides of said abutment for holding the housing and insert assembled.

21. An electrical connector including, an outer housing having an opening extending therethrough, said housing having an immovable abutment within said opening, an insert insertable into either end of said opening arranged in said opening having a portion to which a conductor may be directly connected without assistance by said housing, and said insert also having longitudinally spaced apart yieldable fingers receiving said abutment for holding the insert to the housing.

CHARLES S. PENFOLD. 

